Failure to Diagnose or Treat Preeclampsia

New Jersey Attorneys Advocating for Victims of Failure to Diagnose or Treat Preeclampsia

Pregnancy is a beautiful time, a period of anticipation and preparation for the arrival of your child. However, it is also a time that requires significant medical attention and health monitoring, as conditions may arise in the mother or child that have serious repercussions if unidentified and untreated. Preeclampsia represents one such condition, arising in approximately 5 percent of all pregnancies with potentially life-threatening consequences for both the expectant mother and baby if the condition is left undetected. If obstetricians, hospitals, and other medical professionals fail to recognize and/or treat preeclampsia, you may have grounds to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit to hold them accountable for their negligence.

At Fronzuto Law Group, our seasoned personal injury attorneys represent victims of OB-GYN errors, hospital negligence, and other forms of medical malpractice across New Jersey. Recovering millions of dollars in damages for mothers and children who have suffered due to the negligence of medical professionals, we serve as unwavering supporters and aggressive advocates for our clients. By limiting the number of cases that we take on, our team is able to provide personalized attention and to develop the most effective strategies for achieving maximum compensation. Our commitment to each and every client is to guide, inform, and champion your cause. Contact our offices today at 973-435-4551 or toll free at 888-409-0816 for a free comprehensive case evaluation.

Preeclampsia: The Basics

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that involves periodic, rapid increases in blood pressure during pregnancy and the postpartum period (six weeks after delivery). If preeclampsia occurs during pregnancy, it is generally seen after 20 weeks gestation. The disorder encompasses two significant health concerns: hypertension and proteinuria, which refers to excessive protein in the urine.

If preeclampsia is left untreated, the results can be tragic, manifesting in organ damage or organ failure, stroke, seizures, and even death of the mother and/or child. In fact, preeclampsia is associated with between 10 and 15 percent of maternal mortality cases internationally. It is also among the leading causes of maternal mortality in the United States.

Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

There are a host of factors that may increase the likelihood of a woman developing preeclampsia, some of the most common of which include:

If it is the woman’s first pregnancy

If the woman is pregnant with twins, triplets, or multiple babies

If the woman is obese or has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more

If the woman is over the age of 40

If the woman is under the age of 18

If the woman or her family has a history of preeclampsia

Identifying and Treating Preeclampsia

Monitoring a woman’s blood pressure and performing regular urine tests are essential steps to detecting preeclampsia. Typically, a blood pressure reading that exceeds 140/90 mmHg and/or a urine sample with greater than 0.3 grams of protein is considered grounds for a preeclampsia diagnosis. Other symptoms which may indicate preeclampsia include: swelling (edema), abdominal pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain, migraines, nausea or vomiting, changes in vision, sudden weight gain, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. It is important to note, however, that some cases of preeclampsia present with no symptoms at all, making it all the more critical for obstetricians to diligently monitor potential indicators through regular check-ups and testing.

If a woman is diagnosed with preeclampsia, her obstetrician or treating physician must immediately devise an appropriate treatment plan. Often, expectant mothers with preeclampsia are required to remain hospitalized for consistent monitoring, or to remain on bed rest until delivery. In other cases, blood pressure medication may be prescribed and accompanied by regular blood pressure testing (at least four times daily). Blood pressure medication may be supplemented by a magnesium sulfate drip to prevent eclampsia and other complications. As for delivery, some cases may simply require an induced labor that proceeds naturally, while others cases may require a cesarean delivery to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

Contact our New Jersey Failure to Diagnose Lawyers for Answers

When you are expecting a child, you place your trust, your life, and the life of your child in your doctor’s hands. When these medical professionals fail to provide the adequate standard of care, the results can be devastating. If you or someone you love has suffered as a result of a doctor’s failure to diagnose and/or treat preeclampsia, contact Fronzuto Law Group today to learn about your legal options. One of our skilled medical malpractice attorneys is standing by to assist you.

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Our renowned attorneys represent victims of medical malpractice, pediatric malpractice, birth injuries, and dangerous or defective products in Atlantic County, Bergen County, Burlington County, Camden County, Essex County, Hudson County, Hunterdon County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Passaic County, Somerset County, Sussex County, Union County, and Warren County, New Jersey.